78 



THE FLOWER GROWER'S GUIDE. 



slow in growing again, especially if the roots are "doctored" in hot and dry weather, 

 when they cannot be drawn out. 



The oldest method of weed extermination is the most effective in the end. Early 

 in the spring, or during mild weather in the autumn and winter, in fact any time 

 when the ground is moist and soft, deep-rooted weeds may be disposed of by means 

 of a "daisy grubber" or dock-weeder, an illustration of which is given — Fig. 42. 

 When the prongs of this are well inserted under the head of a plant, the leverage 

 effected by pressing down the handle will draw it out by the roots. A clearance of 

 these coarse weeds often leaves bare patches ; on these sow grass seeds freely, cover 

 with fine soil, roll, and pleasant verdure will follow. 



While worms increase the fertility of soil, they are, when numerous, considered 

 objectionable on lawns. The simplest method of eradication is soaking the ground 

 in the spring with clear lime water, and collecting the worms as they come to the 

 surface. This will also tend to destroy moss and slugs. A pound 

 of lime in lumps is sufficient for three or four gallons of water. 

 Stir well ; let the particles settle and use the clear water only ; 

 lime water cannot be made strong enough to injure a lawn or 

 any garden plants except, perhaps, those of the Heath family. 

 Watering lawns with a solution of corrosive sublimate (bichloride 

 of mercury), half-an-ounce dissolved in 15 gallons of water, will 

 cause Avorms to come to the surface, but care must be taken that 

 fowls do not eat them, or the birds will be poisoned. 



Mowing and Edge Trimming. 



Mowing csiahUslied lawns ought to commence early, or when 



the srass can be closely shaven down with a machine. " Bottom- 

 Fig. 42. Lawn Weedee. 



ing " it well renders the grass easier to cut throughout the season. 

 The more frequently mowing is done the easier and the better in appearance the lawn. 

 The mowing should be persevered with well into the autumn, leaving the grass very 

 short for the winter both for appearance sake and for greater ease in keeping it free 

 of leaves. Mowing machines have been greatly improved of late years, and they 

 cut more cleanly, as well as work more easily than of old, that is, when kept in 

 good order, and a fair chance is afforded them on the lines suggested. The first 

 cutting of seedling grasses on new lawns should not be done closely with a machine, 

 but, as stated on page 76, " switched over " with a sharp scythe. 



